Plastic articles made from the segregation, decontamination, and purification of biomedical waste plastics in a system leveraging waste production data to modify material purification and product manufacturing

ABSTRACT

A process for the segregation, sterilization, and purification of recycled plastic medical waste with the subsequent production of plastic products made therefrom is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for the front-end segregation of recycled plastic medical waste into a polypropylene waste stream and a mixed plastic waste stream. These segregated streams are further purified through a processing method that removes contaminating fibrous, metal and other waste products. Polypropylene and mixed plastic streams isolated using these methods yield a homogenous material that can be blended with other materials for the production of raw plastic or for extrusion to form commercial plastic products. A method for tracking regulated and non-regulated medical waste stream production kinetics and chain of custody from discrete waste disposal sites is also disclosed.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 17/121,268, filed Dec. 14, 2020, and entitled “PLASTIC ARTICLESMADE FROM THE SEGREGATION, DECONTAMINATION, AND PURIFICATION OFBIOMEDICAL WASTE PLASTICS IN A SYSTEM LEVERAGING WASTE PRODUCTION DATATO MODIFY MATERIAL PURIFICATION AND PRODUCT MANUFACTURING,” which claimspriority to Provisional Application U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/947,967, filed Dec. 13, 2019, and entitled “PLASTIC ARTICLES MADEFROM THE SEGREGATION, STERILIZATION, AND PURIFICATION OF REGULATEDMEDICAL/BIOMEDICAL WASTE PLASTICS,” both of which are specifically andentirely incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a system by which a recyclablepolypropylene waste stream and mixed plastic waste stream are firstisolated from regulated medical/biomedical waste (RMW), decontaminated,and then further purified for the purpose of isolating individualpolymer streams and recycling into plastic articles. These plasticarticles preferably take the form of new laboratory plastic consumables,or other products. The invention also allows for the weight andproduction kinetics of the waste to be monitored using a waste trackingsystem rooted in the blockchain. The waste tracking system may utilizeunique barcodes or Quick Response (QR) codes as identifiers for wastereceptacles or utilize an internet of things (IoT) capable scale thatuploads waste production data to a blockchain secure platform. Highresolution waste production data may be utilized as a feed-backward orfeed-forward mechanism to modify backend or frontend segregation,purification, safety profile and mechanical performance for recycledstreams. Recycling count, for the closed-loop recycling method describedherein, may be tracked utilizing a tracer and recorded within theblockchain-enabled waste tracking platform.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND

Medical waste, biopharma waste and laboratory waste are heterogeneous.In addition to paper and liquid waste, the contents include a variety ofrigid and flexible plastics. Much of this plastic stream is capable ofbeing recycled into useful products if properly decontaminated, therebylimiting environmental pollution by preventing waste accumulation inlandfills and waste incineration. Due to the heterogeneous nature ofthis waste, it is difficult to obtain a homogenous plastic waste streamand effectively recycle the plastic. Most attempts to isolate theseplastic polymers from heterogeneous medical waste, biopharma waste,and/or laboratory waste have relied heavily on backend segregation.Backend segregation is labor intensive, financially burdensome, and/orrequires significant fortification of the resulting plastic to enhanceits value as a resale commodity. There is a need to develop effectiveplastic diversion techniques capable of segregating this material andenriching the homogeneity of the waste stream to increase the quality ofplastic for subsequent recycling. More specifically, there is a need fortechnology that allows for repeated isolation of high-quality resin tobe used in circular economy products.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present invention is a series of front-end wastediversion receptacles that allow for the segregation of heterogeneousRMW, infectious waste, and/or non-hazardous waste into a polypropyleneplastic stream and a mixed plastic stream.

A second embodiment of the present invention is a stage that may havewheels with an accompanying locking system, and an IoT-equipped scalecapable of housing a plastic-diversion RMW receptacle or generalized RMWreceptacle for tracking waste production through a blockchain secureplatform.

A third embodiment of the present invention is a plastic wastereceptacle that may be composed of recycled plastic and may replacecardboard biohazard boxes or other plastic containers while preferablyhaving the capacity to stack for easy storage and may also be designedto withstand periodic heat and/or chemical-based sterilizationprocedures.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention is a plastic product madefrom recycled polypropylene, polystyrene, high density polyethylene,and/or polyethylene terephthalate medical waste streams of the presentinvention and fashioned for re-use, subsequent re-capture, andultimately the propagation of the closed-loop recycling method.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention is a waste-tracking softwarethat may quantify and summarize total plastic, polypropylene plastic,mixed plastic, non-plastic RMW, or non-RMW production coming fromdiscrete waste disposal sites via a barcode, quick-response (QR) code,or other unique identifier utilizing a blockchain secure database.

A sixth embodiment of the present invention is a waste-tracking softwarethat may function to monitor changes in total plastic production andcontamination profile as a means to inform both front-end and back-endplastic sortation.

A seventh embodiment of the present invention is a waste-trackingsoftware that may function to quantify, verify and monetize carbonemission reduction through documentation of total plastic recycled andre-used in product manufacturing.

An eighth embodiment of the present invention is a waste-trackingsoftware that may function to provide certification of post-consumerrecycled plastic point of origin, safety profile, and resin performancequalification.

A ninth embodiment of the present invention is a tracing element used inre-manufactured plastic articles made from the recycled plastic isolatedin the present invention enabling the user to track recycling loopcounts using the waste tracking platform.

A tenth embodiment of the present invention is a recycling system thatsterilizes and employs a processing method that increases thehomogeneity of the polypropylene plastic stream and mixed plastic streamto increase the quality of recyclable material for subsequent shredding,melting, extruding, pelleting and forming into plastic articles.

An eleventh embodiment of the present invention is a single unit devicecapable of decontaminating and shredding waste in a continuous processthat is equipped with an IoT device that preferably records dataassociated with waste treatment parameters to inform subsequent materialprocessing.

One embodiment of the invention is directed to a plastic waste recyclingsystem. The system comprises a plastic waste tracking system comprisinga database of plastic waste status data, a plurality of plastic wastereceptacles, each plastic waste receptacle associated with an individualidentifier, at least one identifier scanning device, each identifierscanning device adapted to scan each individual identifier and uploadinformation regarding the associated plastic waste receptacle to theplastic waste tracking system, and a plastic waste processing system,the plastic waste processing system adapted to receive plastic wastefrom each plastic waste receptacle and update the plastic waste trackingsystem. The plastic waste processing system is adapted to process theplastic waste and output a recycled plastic product.

In a preferred embodiment, the plastic waste is regulated medicalplastic or non-regulated scientific plastic waste and the plastic wasteprocessing system at least one of sterilizes or decontaminates theplastic waste when necessary. Preferably, the plastic waste trackingsystem is a blockchain secure platform and the blockchain secureplatform is updated to track the plastic waste through the plastic wasterecycling system. In a preferred embodiment, the data updated in theplastic waste tracking system includes at least one of an originationlocation of the plastic waste, an origination weight of the plasticwaste, a date of plastic waste collection, a time of plastic wastecollection, a process undergone by the plastic waste, a location ofplastic waste processing, a date of plastic waste processing, a time ofplastic waste processing, or a composition of processed plastic waste.

Each plastic waste receptacle is preferably adapted to separatepolypropylene waste from mixed plastic waste. Preferably, thepolypropylene waste is processed differently from the mixed plasticwaste. Preferably, the plastic waste processing system at least one ofremoves of colored, contaminated, or non-clear plastic, removescontaminants, shreds the plastic waste, blends the plastic waste withprocessing agents, granulates the plastic waste, or forms the plasticwaste into a recycled product. The plastic waste recycling systempreferably further comprises a user feedback system, the user feedbacksystem adapted to provide information to users of each plastic wastereceptacle, wherein the information is based on the data received by theplastic waste tracking system.

In a preferred embodiment, each plastic waste receptacle has a wastecapacity sensor, wherein the waste capacity sensor is adapted to atleast one of provide an alert to a user and update the plastic wastetracking system. Preferably, the outputted recycled plastic product is ablend of recycled plastic and at least one other plastic. In a preferredembodiment, the outputted recycled plastic product is comprised of oneor more additives selected from compatibilizing agents, antioxidants,chemical tracing compounds, blending agents, colorants, and compoundsenhancing product recyclability. Preferably, the data received by theplastic waste tracking system is used by the plastic waste processingsystem to adjust the processing of the plastic waste.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of recyclingplastic waste. The method comprises the steps of creating a database ofplastic waste status, receiving plastic waste at plurality of plasticwaste receptacles, associating each plastic waste receptacle with anindividual identifier, scanning each individual identifier and uploadinginformation regarding the associated plastic waste receptacle to thedatabase, receiving plastic waste from each plastic waste receptacle ata plastic waste processing location, processing the plastic waste,updating the plastic waste tracking system with data from the plasticwaste processing location, and outputting a recycled plastic product.

Preferably, the plastic waste is medical plastic waste, furthercomprising the steps of at least one of sterilizing or decontaminatingthe plastic waste. The database is preferably a blockchain secureplatform and the blockchain secure platform is updated to track theplastic waste through the plastic waste recycling system. In a preferredembodiment, the data updated in the database includes at least one of anorigination location of the plastic waste, an origination weight of theplastic waste, a date of plastic waste collection, a time of plasticwaste collection, a process undergone by the plastic waste, a locationof plastic waste processing, a date of plastic waste processing, a timeof plastic waste processing, or a composition of processed plasticwaste.

The method preferably further comprises separating polypropylene wastefrom mixed plastic waste at each plastic waste receptacle. Thepolypropylene waste is preferably processed differently from the mixedplastic waste. Preferably, the step of processing the plastic wastecomprises at least one of removing of colored, contaminated, ornon-clear plastic, removing contaminants, shredding the plastic waste,blending the plastic waste with processing agents, granulating theplastic waste, and/or forming the plastic waste into a recycled product.

Preferably, the method further comprises providing user feedback tousers of each plastic waste receptacle, wherein the feedback is based onthe data received by the plastic waste tracking system. The methodpreferably further comprises providing user feedforward information tomanufacturers and/or users of each plastic products, wherein thefeedforward information is based on the data received by the plasticwaste tracking system including at least one of mechanical performanceof the recycled resin, safety specifications for the recycled resin, andthe number of times material has been recycled.

Preferably, the method further comprises providing user feedbackinformation to users regarding carbon footprint reduction based onrecycling efforts at a resolution of at least one of individualpersonnel, research laboratories, entire research institutions ormanufacturing facilities. The method preferably further comprisesproviding user feedforward information to users regarding carbonfootprint reduction based on sustainable procurement by each user at aresolution of at least one of individual personnel, researchlaboratories, entire research institutions or manufacturing facilities.

In a preferred embodiment, each plastic waste receptacle has a wastecapacity sensor, further comprising at least one of providing a wastecapacity alert to a user and updating the database. The outputtedrecycled plastic product is preferably a blend of recycled plastic andat least one other plastic. Preferably, the outputted recycled plasticproduct is comprised of one or more additives selected fromcompatibilizing agents, antioxidants, chemical tracing compounds,blending agents, colorants, and compounds enhancing productrecyclability. Preferably, the data received by the database is used toadjust the processing of the plastic waste.

Other embodiments and advantages of the invention are set forth in partin the description, which follows, and in part, may be obvious from thisdescription, or may be learned from the practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention outlined in greater depth below is supported by theaccompanying drawings and figures. The numerals associated with thedrawings refer to structural elements and features of a given process orinvention embodiment. These figures emphasize the principles andconcepts of the invention. It is important to note that the drawings arenot to scale. Additionally, these figures are not meant to limit theclaimed subject matter.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a flowchart outlining the processingmethod to segregate, track, sterilize, and purify plastic waste streamsfor the purpose of recycling medical plastics to form plastic articles.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a flowchart of a method used to track theproduction of plastic and non-plastic medical waste at discrete wastedisposal locations, using production data to modify frontend and backenddisposal/sortation in real-time.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a flowchart of a method used to track theproduction of individual plastic waste streams at discrete wastedisposal locations, using production data to modify frontend and backenddisposal/sortation in real-time.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a flowchart of a method of waste trackingusing a stage that may house a plastic-diversion RMW receptacle orgeneralized RMW receptacle and utilizes an IoT-equipped scale to trackwaste production using a blockchain secure platform.

FIG. 5 shows an actuated medical waste diversion lid according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 6 shows the two structural pieces comprising the embodiment shownin FIG. 5 .

FIG. 7 shows an actuated receptacle for plastic elements of medicalwaste according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows an actuated stage for holding, moving, and weighing thecontents of a waste receptacle.

FIG. 9 shows an actuated plastic medical waste receptacle for wastedisposal at a laboratory bench or workspace.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a flowchart outlining the process ofusing waste tracking software for each step in the chain of custody ofmedical waste, preferably using this production data to modify plasticsortation, provide post-consumer plastic point of origin, store batchquality control data, and quantify carbon emission offset data.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a flowchart outlining the waste trackingsoftware comprising the recycling method utilizing feedback datareported back to user to reinforce point of disposal behavior change.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a flowchart outlining the waste trackingsoftware utilized in the recycling method to successfully manufacture aproduct whose principal components and characteristics can subsequentlybe identified and used as material input for subsequent recycling.

FIG. 13 shows an actuated illustrative interface for the waste trackingand reporting mobile application.

FIG. 14 is a schematic of an embodiment of a computing device.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a flowchart outlining a continuousprocess of medical waste decontamination and shredding in a single unitinstrument equipped with an IoT device that preferably records dataassociated with waste treatment parameters to inform subsequent materialprocessing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description of commonly used terms or phrases and abbreviations areoutlined below.

In this section, the reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a given element or feature associated with a particularembodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The reference to “oneembodiment” does not necessarily include all embodiments of thedisclosure. However, separate embodiments are also not mutuallyexclusive.

Use of the word “comprising” or “comprises” throughout this disclosureis not meant to indicate an exhaustive or exclusive description of anembodiment. Additionally, in some instances a device is “connected” or“coupled” with another item. This description may be meant to reflect aphysical and/or logical relationship between items or devices. Also,there may be an intermediate(s) between said devices. For example,devices can be connected to one another through a physical ornon-physical intermediate that allows for the transmission ofinformation.

The word “or” when used in the context of a list is meant to encompassthe following meanings: all items of the list, any single item in thelist, or a combination of items in the list. Words such as “herein”,“throughout,” “above”, “below,” and similar words, refer to the documentas a whole. These words are meant to refer to the entire document unlessotherwise indicated.

In this disclosure, the use of the words “processor” or “processingdevice” refer to hardware within an electronic device that is capable ofexecuting a programmed function. A processor or processing device maywork alone or in conjunction with other processing devices to execute aprogrammed function.

Specifications presented herein include words like “may”, “might,”“can”, or “could.” These words are not meant to indicate that aparticular feature or component is required for a particular embodiment.

In this disclosure, the use of the words “closed loop” refer to theprocess or system in which waste materials, or post-consumer materials,are isolated and used again in the manufacturing supply chains to makethe same products for re-use.

The term “micronization” refers to the process by which an article isreduced in size to component parts. Micronization may be achieved withmechanical disruption.

The term “sterilization” refers to a decontamination process by whichall microorganisms are killed.

The term “disinfection” refers to a decontamination process by whichharmful microorganism are removed or reduced in number.

In the present disclosure, the use of the words “carbon emission offset”refers to the certification of a reduction in carbon dioxide emissionsor other greenhouse gases. In the context of recycling, carbon emissionsare reduced when utilizing recycled plastic resin instead of fossil-fuelderived virgin resin.

In this disclosure, “feed-forward” refers to the process by whichcollected data is used to inform subsequent business processes toeffectively manage the material stream in real-time.

The term “feedback” refers to the process by which collected data,preferably recorded in the material tracking platform, is used to engagethe user or customer to modify disposal behavior with the goal ofimproving material stream quality.

In this disclosure, “circular economy” or “closed loop” refers to thecreation or propagation of supply chains that redirect valuablematerials from waste streams for re-use in the manufacturing process.More specifically, laboratory plastic waste streams may be isolated,purified, and used to manufacture new laboratory consumables.

The term “regulated medical waste” may refer to a class of regulatedwaste leaving, but not limited to, research laboratories, clinicallaboratories, biopharma laboratories, biopharma manufacturing sitesand/or other medical work environments.

The term “database” and words of similar meaning are meant to refer to adevice or devices in which data capable of being read by the computerand/or programming commands are stored. Furthermore, a “database” mayrefer to embodiments comprised of a single device or multiple devicesthat together store a set of data or programming instructions.

The waste diversion products, waste diversion containers, and/or wastereceptacle stage, may include a processor and transceiver that enablesthese products to both send and receive data. This data can be exchangedbetween any of the aforementioned products and/or between one or moreremote data storage facilities through an intermediary communicationnetwork. A remote processor may be associated with, but is not limitedto, a server, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a mobile device.For the purpose of communicating between devices, a communicationnetwork may include a data network, a telephone network, a wirelessnetwork, or a combination of these networks.

In some embodiments, the waste tracking system disclosed herein furthercomprises a blockchain processing device that can track and registerregulated medical waste moving through a chain of custody.

During the waste processing method outlined in this disclosure,contaminating waste may be removed to enhance the homogeneity of a wastestream. This may be accomplished using a variety of sensors to collectdata that a processor can use to identify a piece of waste, determine ifit is contaminating the waste stream, and have that item removed. Anon-exhaustive list of sensors that may be used to identify non-plasticcontaminants and other contaminating articles in the waste streaminclude: cameras, video cameras, inductive sensors, spectral imagingsensors, and near-infrared sensors.

The materials of the invention include a number of polymers andmaterials, both medical and non-medical waste, as well as nascentsubstances added to the proposed process. These materials include, butare not limited to, polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene(PE), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-G), polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Polyamide (PA),nylon, polyvinylchloride (PVC), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and lowdensity polyethylene (LDPE). Colorants, dyes, compatibilizers, andadditives to enhance subsequent recycling may also be used in theprocessing method.

The invention described herein generates plastic articles made fromrecycled medical waste, or non-hazardous waste streams, throughprocessing methods of front-end segregated PP and mixed plastic streams.Subsequently purified streams of independent polymers, including, butnot limited to PP, PS, HDPE, PET-G are preferably used to createhomogenous plastic materials in regrind form, pellet form, or as afinished product.

RMW used in the invention is generally in a contained bag or box and iscomprised of, but not limited to, plastic, paper, trace amounts ofliquid, and metal articles. These waste streams may have contactedbiological laboratory specimens or patient materials and are thereforetreated as contaminated waste that are preferably sterilized prior todisposal or recycling. RMW can include articles like plastic containers,syringes, plastic tubing, and other plastic disposable instruments.Additionally, medical waste can include materials used in researchlaboratories or in the production of biotechnology products like plasticconicals, pipette tips, cell culture materials, and chromatographycolumns. The waste not only contains a number of materials but also adiverse number of products making it difficult to create homogenousarticles from medical waste without significant back-end segregation andfortification of the plastic with other waste streams. The methods ofthe present invention intend to provide a process implementing bothfront-end and back-end segregation of plastic for the purpose ofcreating purified polymer streams from a PP and mixed plastic streamsegregated at the point of disposal.

Front-end plastic segregation of the present invention may initiallyoccur within discrete waste disposal locations such as a researchlaboratory, operating room, biotechnology manufacturing facility, and/orother laboratory using waste diversion receptacles. Additionally, wastediversion receptacles may be used to capture plastic in these workenvironments that originate from a non-hazardous waste stream. This willpreferably allow for the initial diversion of plastic medical waste fromnon-plastic medical waste and subsequent creation of a polypropylene andmixed plastic medical waste stream. Front-end segregation using wastediversion receptacles is intended to minimize the presence of fibrous,metal, and/or non-plastic contaminants within each recyclable plasticstream. Additionally, front-end segregation preferably limits exposureto other hazardous waste streams that may be disposed of in adjacentworkflows. Downstream processing methods may enrich these independentplastic streams following decontamination by using a series ofpurification steps that increase the quality of the final recycledplastic. An automated and/or manual sorting system may remove plasticand non-plastic contaminants. A chemical treatment may remove markingsor adherent substance found on the plastic. A step utilizing mechanicalagitation or high-friction scrubbing may also be used to remove adherentcontaminants on plastic products. A nuclease treatment step may assistin removing residual recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) orribonucleic acid (RNA). Density separation techniques may be used toseparate polypropylene and polystyrene plastics. Residual, contaminatingsolvents may be removed using micronization technology that preferablyincreases plastic surface area exposure for cleaning during an aqueouswashing step. Additionally, contaminating monomers, oligomers, andsolvents, may be removed from the plastic stream utilizingdevolatilization technology. Each step of the processing methodpreferably increases the homogeneity, purity, and quality of therecyclable plastic stream.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an embodiment of the segregation, tracking,purification and recycling method of the present invention. The plasticarticles of the medical waste are preferably segregated from non-plasticarticles using waste diversion products at discrete waste disposal sitesat step 102. With the manual assistance of the individual disposing ofthe plastic medical waste, the plastic articles are preferably furthersegregated into a polypropylene container at step 104 and mixed plasticcontainer at step 106. Users will preferably successfully segregaterigid plastic with the aid of visual cues proximal to the receptacle.This initial segregation step preferably minimizes the presence offibrous, metal, and other non-plastic waste contaminants in thesubsequent processing steps or final plastic products. This initialwaste segregation step may be accomplished with a series of wastediversion products.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a waste diversion lid 500 that maybe reusable, recyclable, and/or capable of undergoing a series ofsterilization methods. In this embodiment, the diversion lid 500 may becoupled to an existing biohazard waste receptacle and/or RMW receptacle.Furthermore, in an embodiment of the invention, there is a polypropylenewaste opening 502 that may be accessed by way of an angled ramp 504 andpreferably directs waste articles into the receptacle. The ramp of thediversion lid 500 may feature written and/or visual directives orinstructions 506 indicating the types of polypropylene products intendedfor disposal. The diversion lid 500 may also have a handle 508 thatallows for the top part of the waste diversion lid 500 to be removed.The sides of the waste diversion lid 500 may be used for branding oradvertising 514, 516, 518. In this embodiment, the front portion of thewaste diversion lid 500 may contain a second opening 510 that may allowfor the disposal of mixed plastics. Proximal to this opening there maybe space 514 provided for images and/or text indicating that this is anentry for the collection of mixed plastic waste. In this embodiment, thebottom portion 512 of the diversion lid may be a separate piece. Thewaste diversion lid may also have a Quick Response (QR) code barcode, orother unique identifier on it to provide a unique product identifier forfuture waste tracking purposes, as described below. In other embodimentsof a waste diversion lid, the opening for polypropylene products may bedesigned to reflect the shape and/or size of the items intended fordisposal. Additionally, for waste disposal sites with homogenous plasticwaste streams, the diversion lid can be constructed in a way to captureand divert those specific plastic materials. For example, in a genomicscore facility that uses high volumes of polypropylene 96-well plates, awaste diversion lid may be constructed in such a way that effectivelycaptures, and/or directs the user to dispose of, that specific wasteproduct. For example, an opening may be constructed within an embodimentof a waste diversion lid that is designed specifically for the disposalof a desired waste product and more specific directives are used toincrease disposal adherence.

FIG. 6 illustrates the two pieces that comprise one embodiment of thewaste diversion lid 500. Waste diversion lid 500 may be constructed intwo parts. As can be seen in the exploded view, the bottom half of thelid may function as a platform 600 that rests on the waste receptacle inorder to hold the diverting component of the lid. The platform 600portion of the lid may contain a vertical separator 602 that preventscross contamination of waste streams and may allow one internal wastereceptacle bag to be secured in place. In this embodiment, a secondpiece 604 preferably allows for a for a second internal waste receptaclebag to be secured in place. A second view 606 of the bottom portion ofthe lid described in the present embodiment provides an alternative viewof piece 602 and piece 604 that preferably assist in securing twointernal waste bags. The top portion 610 of waste diversion lid 500preferably sits on top of the bottom unit 600. A top-down view 612 ofthe present embodiment of the diversion lid top portion 610 isillustrated in this figure. A cross section 614 of diversion lid topportion 610 illustrates the ramp that preferably directs waste to theback of the receptacle and into a separate internal waste receptaclebag. In present embodiment of the waste diversion lid 500, the frontopening 510 allows for waste to be directed into an internal wastereceptacle with vertical separator 602 preferably preventing waste fromcontaminating the other internal waste receptacle.

As an alternative to existing medical waste receptacles, FIG. 7illustrates a waste receptacle 710 that may be reusable, recyclable,and/or capable of undergoing a series of sterilization methods. The topof the receptacle 710 may be compatible with a waste diversion lid 500and/or a cover 700 that is preferably fashioned with hinged latches 706on each side that may fasten the cover 700 to receptacle 710. In thisembodiment of the cover and receptacle, the hinged latches 706preferably seal the sides 708 of the cover to the receptacle 710. Thecover 700 may be fashioned with a vent 702 that preferably allows forsteam release during waste receptacle 710 decontamination in therecycling methods disclosed here. Additionally, the cover 700 mayinclude a unique QR code 704 identifier for use in the waste trackingsoftware. The sides 712 of the receptacle 710 may be a surface forvisual directives or other forms of communication. The tapering sides714 of the receptacle 710 preferably allow for empty receptacles to bestacked and nested within one another. Waste receptacle 710 ispreferably compatible with a waste diversion lid 500. Additionally, thewaste receptacle 710 may be connectable to a generalized wastecontainer.

In order to ensure collection of plastic waste created at satellitelocations that are not proximal to a larger waste diversion lid 500 thatmay be fashioned to a waste receptacle 710, there may be a need forsmaller waste receptacles. FIG. 9 illustrates a plastic waste receptaclethat may be placed on a laboratory bench or proximal to other convenientwaste disposal locations. This embodiment of a plastic waste receptacle900 may have a backstop 902 to help capture and direct plastic productsinto the multi-liter storage container 904 may be reusable, recyclable,and/or capable of undergoing a series of sterilization methods. In oneembodiment waste receptacle 900, the plastic storage container may beattached to a secondary container. The top of this secondary containermay be fashioned with a grated lid 906 that may enable the user tosterilize the plastic contents of the receptacle with a liquidsterilizing agent and/or filter remaining liquid. In this embodiment,the liquid sterilizing agent or other draining fluid may be captured inthe secondary container 908 and allow for convenient disposal. Uponreaching capacity of receptacle 900, the plastic contents may betransferred to a larger waste diversion lid 500 that may be fashioned toa waste receptacle 710.

Using Quick Response (QR) codes, barcodes, or other unique productidentifiers, medical waste, other forms of hazardous waste and/ornon-hazardous waste production kinetics may be tracked in this recyclingmethod. FIG. 2 is an embodiment of a flowchart outlining the processthrough which waste tracking is enabled in the present recycling methodand recorded data is preferably used to modify plastic sortation. Eachplastic diversion product may be registered with a unique QR code, forexample. Following repeated front-end segregation and disposal ofplastic waste in step 202, the waste receptacle may reach volume orweight capacity in step 204. The entity responsible for disposing of thewaste will preferably scan the unique QR code, or other productidentifier, associated with a receptacle using an iOS or Android mobileapplication interface or another digital portable device at step 206. Adatabase at step 208 preferably will recognize that the unique codeidentifier previously scanned or identified is associated with aspecific waste receptacle at a specific location. Information like dateand time may auto-populate within the database upon scanning or entry ofa record, thereby timestamping the waste receptacle's closure/turnoverat step 210. The user will preferably then be directed to a databaseinterface that allows the user to record the final weight and/or notifythe database that the receptacle is full at step 212. The database,having been notified that the waste receptacle is full, may subsequentlynotify waste managers that the receptacle is prepared for removal usinga communication network at stage 214. Preferably, this real-timecommunication adds efficiency, safety, and compliance to the operationalprocess of regulated medical waste management. Data within the databasemay be stored within a blockchain secure platform. This data collectionwill preferably allow total waste production and waste productionkinetics to be utilized as feedback data that may be reported back toindividual users and/or institutions to reinforce disposal behavior atstep 216.

Preferably following waste decontamination, a record can be submitted tothe blockchain platform of the aggregated waste, previously identifiedby independent waste disposal site identifiers. This waste is usuallythen shredded and subjected to sortation and purification methods. A newcomposite barcode or QR code will preferably be assigned to theaggregate plastic streams. This new record added to the blockchain willpreferably document point of origin for a batch of plastic that ispreferably recycled and may also be compounded with virgin resin,compatibilizing agents or other materials. The composite barcode/QRcode/unique identifier can be deconvoluted to identify the individualwaste disposal sites that contributed to that batch of material.Subsequent batches of recycled plastic resin will preferably begenerated from the aggregation and sortation of plastic streams. Pointof origin, and/or composite point of origin, for each batch of recycledplastic resin will preferably be recorded in the blockchain.Additionally, each batch of recycled resin will be subjected to qualitycontrol analysis. Quality control tests may include, but are notlimited, to proposition 65 testing, gas chromatography mass spectrometryand other tests to identify comminating compounds. Plastic resincharacterization tests for each batch of recycled plastic resin may beconducted to identify final plastic resin melt flow rate, tensilestrength at yield, tensile elongation at break, flexural modulus,notched Izod, and filler content. Tracking material chain of custodyfrom the point of material disposal through isolation of recycledplastic resin will preferably allow material origin to be identified foreach batch of recycled resin. Information like quality control testresults, resin characterization, and point of origin may be recorded inthe blockchain database and linked with a unique identifier representinga batch of recycled resin for reference by downstream users who maymodify material handling parameters based on these results. Highresolution waste production data may be utilized as a feed-backward orfeed-forward mechanism to modify frontend or backend segregation,purification, safety profile, and mechanical performance for recycledstreams.

This blockchain enabled waste tracking system may be capable ofmonitoring non-recyclable medical waste, and/or other hazardous waste,from the time a waste receptacle is filled until the waste reaches itsterminal waste disposal location. Following waste decontamination, arecord can be submitted to the blockchain platform of the aggregatedwaste, previously identified by independent waste disposal siteidentifiers. This waste is preferably then shredded. A new compositebarcode or QR code will preferably be assigned to the aggregate wastethat is subsequently transported for disposal in a landfill. This newrecord added to the blockchain will preferably document waste weight andfinal destination (e.g. landfill) of the sterilized and shreddedaggregate waste. The composite barcode/QR code/unique identifier can bedeconvoluted to identify the individual waste disposal sites thatcontributed to that landfill bound waste.

In one embodiment of the medical waste tracking system, a wastereceptacle cover 700 may have a one-dimensional barcode or quickresponse (QR) code 704 associated with it. A portable digital device maybe able to scan that code. Alternatively, the device may be connected bya wireless network with a mobile computer device that has optical codereception capabilities in order to read a barcode or QR code, detect andidentify the waste diversion product associated with a distinct wastedisposal location.

The utilized portable digital device can then communicate with aprocessing server utilizing an internet connection. This will allow forthe portable digital device to obtain information about the product,including, but not limited to, the location and entity responsible forthat product. More specifically, this data may be information read bythe operator of the portable device that allows them to confirm that theproduct information accurately depicts the scanned unit.

An external process of recording this waste tracking data can beemployed. This method of data recording preferably employs blockchaintechnology and is immutable.

Blockchain technology may rely on a system of nodes that function asphysically and logically separated servers and data memory storagesites. These nodes are maintained by separate entities. With theaddition of blockchain nodes, there are more nodes that are responsiblefor collecting and exchanging the same information. This information iscommonly shared between nodes by way of block creation. All nodes haveaccess to this distributed ledger. However, if an adjustment to a recordis established on one node, it will be different from all the otherrecords on the independently maintained blockchain servers and thereforeeasily identifiable.

Within this system, a record becomes a block of data. Data processed bythe system is also linked with previously recorded and input data by wayof a block. Therefore, one block is inextricably linked to a previousblock. Moreover, each block contains a one-way hash of the precedingblock. This one-way hash functions as a hash pointer that contains theaddress and hash of the data from the preceding block. A record is alsocreated within each block that makes use of a timestamp, allowing it tobe compared to other blocks. Thus, a block, containing a record of inputdata, cannot be changed without also altering other blocks within thechain.

The blockchain technology employed for the purpose of tracking medicalwaste may require secure encryption of the accumulated data. This wouldadd additional security as data is transferred between a processingserver and a node within the blockchain distributed network. The systemmay use a secret key that may exclusively be known by a processingserver and the node which is recording data for the subsequent block.For the purpose of using this system to track medical waste, the record,associated with a unique product identifier representing a specificwaste disposal site at a given institution, may be received by a nodewith secret key.

Each block is preferably capable of being viewed in thispermission-based system. However, encryption of the data during datatransit preferably prevents viewing. Additionally, during server queryof a node to determine the content of a block, a block associated with aunique waste identifier, the communication of the record is preferablyencrypted and decrypted using the known key and respective decryptionalgorithm.

A public key can be given to authorized individuals. This form ofasymmetric cryptography would allow an individual(s) the ability tocheck a block at any node where the private key is used to encrypt theblock made by the processing server. This form of cryptography wouldpreferably allow for a distributed ledger to maintain confidentialitythrough the encryption of data using the public key. Furthermore,preferably only those devices (computers, mobile phones etc.) that havethe private key could decrypt a record within a block. While blockchainencryption and tracking is described herein, other types of encryptionand/or tracking can be utilized.

FIG. 10 is an embodiment of a flowchart outlining the process throughwhich a waste tracking system may be used to follow the chain of custodyof the waste and increase the efficiency of management. At each stagewithin the chain of custody of medical waste, a record will preferablybe established within a blockchain platform using unique productidentifiers, like a QR code, specific for the waste receptacle or wastestream. At step 1002, a waste receptacle may reach volume capacity orweight capacity, e.g. 30 lbs, or the waste may be removed at designatedwaste pickup times. This event may alert a waste manager to prepare thewaste receptacle for removal and, as a result, the waste manager may usea portable digital device to scan the receptacle unique identifier orcreate a record in the blockchain database at step 1004. This uniqueidentifier may be a QR code, barcode, RFID chip, or another productidentifier. In step 1006, a database communicating with the portabledevice may recognize the specific waste receptacle associated with theunique identifier. The date and time of the scanning action or recordcreation will preferably be recorded in the database and/or blockchaindatabase at step 1008. At step 1010, the digital portable device mayprompt the waste manager to input the weight of the waste. Thisinformation may also be recorded within the blockchain. Subsequently,the database and accompanying processing server may inform wastemanagers of the filled receptacle location for removal at step 1012.Preferably, this real-time communication adds efficiency, safety, andcompliance to the operational process of regulated medical wastemanagement. The filled receptacle, in step 1014, may subsequently betransported to a waste processing facility. This processing facility maybe a centralized location for sterilization and shredding of waste.Preferably upon arrival of the waste at the processing facility, thewaste receptacle unique identifier may be scanned or a record will becreated for submission to the blockchain at step 1016. At step 1018,preferably the database will recognize the unique identifier associatedwith a specific waste receptacle or specific waste stream. The date,time, and weight may be uploaded to the blockchain secure platformduring step 1020 and step 1022. Subsequently, the waste may besterilized and shredded in an aggregate batch of numerous waste streamsin step 1024. The processed waste batch, which may be comprised ofseveral known waste streams with unique, documented identifiers, may beassigned a unique batch identifier using a QR code, barcode, RFID chip,or other unique identifier in step 1026. The database and accompanyingprocessing server may communicate with waste haulers that a processedwaste batch has or will be prepared for removal during step 1028. Theprocessed waste batch may be transported to a final disposal site instep 1030. The disposal site may be a landfill, recycling processingcenter or other waste disposal location. By tracking and facilitatingmaterial stream recycling, this technology preferably quantifies and/orverifies carbon emission offsets associated with the recycling method.More specifically, the resulting recycled resin preferably replaces theuse of virgin resin in newly manufactured plastic articles and is,therefore, associated with a reduction in carbon emissions. At step 1032the unique identifier assigned to the processed waste batch may bescanned or recorded. A database may recognize the unique identifierassociated with the processed waste batch as well as the unique wastestream identifiers that contributed to the waste batch in step 1034. Instep 1036, the data, time, and location of the record entry preferablywill be uploaded to the blockchain. Decontaminated waste streams mayundergo additional sortation and purification to isolate a recycledresin in step 1038. Through a material monitoring method, acontamination score may be assigned to batches of processed materialstreams and recorded in the blockchain secure platform in step 1040.Preferably, batches of recycled plastic resin that are isolated from thesystem outlined in the present disclosure will be subjected to qualitycontrol analysis in step 1042. Quality control tests include, but arenot limited, to gas chromatography mass spectrometry and other tests toidentify comminating compounds. Additionally, plastic resincharacterization tests for each batch of recycled plastic resin may beconducted to identify plastic characteristics including, but not limitedto, melt flow rate, tensile strength at yield, tensile elongation atbreak, flexural modulus, notched Izod, and filler content. Preferably,the recycling and tracking method will allow material origin to beidentified for each batch of recycled resin, by tracking material chainof custody, to verify that it is post-consumer material. Informationlike quality control test results, resin characterization, point oforigin, and carbon footprint reduction may be recorded in the blockchaindatabase in step 1044 for reference by downstream users who modifymanufacturing parameters based on these results.

In FIG. 10 the database described preferably is associated with aprocessing server. That database preferably contains records ofregulated waste production and regulated waste production kineticsassociated with unique waste disposal site identifiers. For workenvironments like a laboratory, where scientists, technicians, and/orother users work in association with a specific waste receptacle, thewaste tracking platform preferably will be used to provide the user withpersonalized, high resolution waste production data associated withtheir material usage. By tracking material chain of custody, wastestream purity, and quantification of total plastic recycled over time, auser's personalized waste stream data may be used as feedback to modifybehavior during front-end segregation of material by the user.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a flowchart outlining how high-resolutionwaste production data can be leveraged to provide feedback data for thepurpose of reinforcing waste disposal behavior change for the recyclingmethod described in present disclosure. The plastic articles of themedical waste are preferably segregated from non-plastic articles usingwaste diversion products at discrete waste disposal sites at step 1102.With the manual assistance of the individual disposing of the plasticmedical waste, the plastic articles are preferably further segregatedinto a polypropylene container at step 1104 and mixed plastic containerat step 1106. Preferably, in a subsequent step, the front-end segregatedwaste will be decontaminated in step 1108. In a manner similar to theprocess outlined in FIG. 10 , a record will preferably be created in thedatabase for the total waste produced per user in step 1110. The wastemay undergo further sortation and purification in step 1112 and usingdata collected through a monitoring system, a contamination score may beassigned to batches of processed material streams and recorded in theblockchain secure platform in step 1114. This contamination score maysubsequently be used to determine the necessary fortification withadditives, including but not limited to compatibilizing agents, virginresins, or other plastic polymers in step 1116. In a manner similar tothe process outlined in FIG. 10 , following this fortification step, arecord of total amount of plastic recycled and associated carbonemission reduction for the employed recycling method may be recorded inthe database in step 1118. A batch of recycled resin is preferablyisolated in this embodiment of the present invention 1120. Data recordedin the waste tracking database at steps 1110, 1114, and 1118 may providefeedback data to the user to reinforce waste disposal behavior change instep 1122.

For example, a reduction in the total plastic recycled by the user overtime, may trigger digital engagement of the user to report thisidentified trend. Preferably, this personal waste data will be reportedto the user through the mobile device used to trigger waste removal.Additionally, personalized waste data may be reported by other meansincluding but not limited to e-mail or cellular text messages. Reportingof personalized waste data may also include additional trainingmaterials to remind the user on proper disposal behavior. Personalizeddata reporting preferably is used to modify user behavior for front-endsegregation of desired waste streams. More specifically, a record oftotal plastic recycled per user of an institution may be associated witha carbon emission offset and/or carbon credit, which may be monetized bythe recycling company or the user. Reports of carbon emission offsetdata for an individual user or institution may be used as a feedbackmechanism to modify disposal behaviors.

Within FIG. 10 , the operators mobile scanning device or other enableddevice used to make record entries preferably connects to the internet.A wired system for internet access may also be used. Additionally, thescanning device preferably is capable of identifying product specificidentification codes. The scanning device or device used to make recordentries preferably communicates via the internet with the processingserver and database. Multiple blockchain nodes and/or a centralizedblockchain database, will preferably help to establish the ledger ofrecorded waste tracking data. The processing server in theblockchain-enabled waste tracking system can preferably communicate withblockchain nodes by way of the internet. When a record is processed anda block is added to the blockchain, an inquiry to a blockchain node willpreferably allow for inspection of each block. Finally, the medicalwaste measurements referenced in FIG. 10 may also be accomplished usingthe waste receptacle stage with IoT scale 800 of FIG. 8 . Throughout theprocess outlined in FIG. 10 , unique identifiers, like a barcode or QRcode, may be created in real-time to specifically refer to a wastestream with specific information like disposal time, disposal date,originating disposal location, and final weight, among otherinformation.

Blockchain encryption can be utilized in the following example of wastedisposal: when medical waste produced by an entity moves through a chainof custody, a record is generated. Characteristics like date, time,weight, and waste disposal site of origination may be associated with aunique waste receptacle identifier. The record is subsequently encryptedwith a public key and the necessary encryption algorithm. Encrypted datais then communicated to the processing server and decrypted with aprivate key. Security of this data transfer is enhanced by hashing therecord. If the same hash is present before and after decryption, thedata transmitted has not changed.

Users of an embodiment of the waste tracking system can use a mobiledevice, desktop computer or another portable or non-portable computingdevice. Devices enabled for this system will preferably be capable ofidentifying unique code identifiers for record submission 1302 to adatabase and for providing a waste tracking and waste production summary1304. For example, in FIG. 13 the date, time, weight, and unique wasteidentifiers can be independently documented and viewed. This can beaccomplished using an approved device that is capable of making aninquiry to access the relevant block(s) of the record in question,currently present in a ledger within the blockchain. A mobile device ordesktop computer may provide waste production data and behaviormodification prompts 1306 as feedback to the individual user in aneffort to promote proper disposal during front-end segregation of theplastic waste. A mobile device or desktop computer may provide wasteproduction data and behavior modification prompts 1308 for a number ofindividual users across an organization and preferably use this feedbackdata to promote proper disposal during front-end segregation of theplastic waste going forward.

The system may use unique product identifiers like barcodes, QR codes,RFID tags to label waste streams at each stage within the chain ofcustody. Initially, at discrete waste disposal sites, the system may useQR codes assigned to waste diversion products or receptacles that can bescanned upon filling the waste receptacle. This may register the wastebox as ready for transport to a centralized processing facility. Next, aunique product identifier affixed to internal waste stream receptaclescan be scanned in the central processing facility immediately prior tosterilization and shredding. Finally, a unique product identifier may beassigned to the aggregated shredded medical waste. This uniqueidentifier for bulk shipments can be deconvoluted to identify the wastedisposal sites contributing to the bulk shipment. Upon final disposal ofthe bulk waste shipment, a final record may be created notifying thelocation of waste disposal and a block will be added to the blockchain,thus establishing a continuous, immutable record of the medical wastedisposal process.

In the case of the plastic diversion product, upon closing the entirebox, each internal receptacle may also be closed. The internalpolypropylene receptacle and internal mixed plastic receptacle willpreferably also be identified each with a unique QR code. FIG. 3outlines the process through which individual waste streams can betracked. In one embodiment of the invention, the internal polypropylenereceptacle and internal mixed plastic receptacle are both made ofstandardized biomedical waste bags. Following front-end segregation ofwaste and disposal by the user in step 302, each internal wastereceptacle bag may be secured shut with a zip-tie that has a QR code,barcode, or other unique identifier for each waste stream at step 304.Upon downstream removal of the internal bags or internal receptacleprior to waste sterilization, the QR code of each plastic streamreceptacle may be scanned at step 306 using the iOS or android mobileapplication or another digital portable device. In step 308, a databaseis preferably capable of recognizing that the unique code identifierpreviously scanned, or other product identifier used, is associated witha specific waste receptacle location and specific waste stream.Information like date and time may auto-populate within the databaseupon scanning or entry of a record, thereby timestamping the wastereceptacle's closure/turnover at step 310. The user may be directed to adatabase in step 312 that prompts them to weigh each bag containingeither the polypropylene or mixed plastic stream. Collected data may bestored within a blockchain secure platform. This data collection methodwill preferably allow for the example weight of the individual plasticstream to be recorded and for the calculation of waste productionkinetics. This data collection will preferably allow total wasteproduction and waste production kinetics for each plastic waste streamto be utilized as feedback data that may be reported back to individualusers and/or institutions to reinforce disposal behavior at step 314.

Waste tracking functionality may be integrated into a largerenvironmental management system that may offer the following features:compliance alerts for regulatory deadlines, electronic storage ofregulatory documents and permits, inventory management, personneltraining management, shipment documentation, and solid and liquid wastepickup requests. Financial reports related to waste management may alsobe tracked with this embodiment of the software and may interface withelectronic accounting services like QuickBooks®.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a mobile stage fashioned withwheels, accompanying breaks, and an internal scale to hold a plasticwaste diversion product. The stage or platform 800 may be designed tosecure a variety of medical waste receptacles including cardboardbiohazard waste boxes and the waste receptacle illustrated in FIG. 7 .On the side of the stage 800, a digital interface 804 may depict thecurrent weight sensed by the internal scale 802. To allow for theseparate measurement of each internal receptacle (for polypropylenewaste and mixed plastic waste), a foot-pedal 806 may be accessible inorder to toggle between the weight of each plastic stream. The stage mayalso be equipped with a braking system that may be engaged or disengagedwith a foot pedal 808. This feature may allow the stage to be fixed inone location or readily moved using the attached wheels 810.

A process outlining one intended use of one embodiment of the stage inFIG. 8 is illustrated in FIG. 4 . In step 402, the stage 800 may hold awaste receptacle similar to that which is outlined in FIG. 7 preferablyas a waste receptacle is being filled, prior to receptacle closure, orjust after receptacle closure. The stage may be partitioned and becapable of recognizing the PP waste receptacle or mixed plastic weightreceptacle at step 404 and 406, respectively. A scale 802 that may beinside the stage may be capable of measuring the weight of the PP wastestream at step 408. Additionally, a scale 802 may be capable ofmeasuring the weight of the mixed plastic waste stream at step 410. Thescale 802, which may be connected to the internet or other communicationnetwork, preferably communicates the weights recorded from the scale toa blockchain secure database at step 412. At step 414, the scale 802,which is connected to a communication network, may be capable oftransmitting a notification to waste managers that the receptacle hasreached a waste weight limit.

In summary, the weight of the polypropylene plastic stream, mixedplastic stream, and total plastic will preferably be tracked using aninternet of things (IoT) scale, while continuously uploading the data toa blockchain secure platform. This embodiment may contain a blockchainprocessing device. The collected data may provide users, regulators, andother authenticated parties reliable information regarding wasteproduction with the added benefit of informing individuals within wasteremoval operations when these boxes have reached their weight limit andmust be appropriately discarded. The stage fashioned with wheels,accompanying breaks, and internal scale may also hold generalizedmedical waste receptacles for tracking non-plastic waste. Similarly,non-plastic medical waste will preferably be tracked using an internetof things (IoT) scale, while continuously uploading that data to ablockchain secure platform.

This blockchain secure platform may also be used to track other medicalwaste streams and/or hazardous waste streams. In addition to trackinggeneralized medical waste and plastic waste, the blockchain secureplatform may be used to track production and custody of liquid waste,radioactive waste, as well as chemotherapeutic waste.

Returning to FIG. 1 , Prior to additional handling, the medical waste ispreferably sterilized during step 108 and shredded in step 110. Duringthe processing method, contaminating waste may be removed in step 112 toenhance the homogeneity of the polypropylene waste stream and mixedplastic waste stream, respectively. Moreover, the mixed plastic wastestream is preferably purified into separate polymer streams, including,but not limited to, PP, PS, HDPE, and PET-G. This may be accomplishedusing a variety of sensors to collect data that a processor can use toidentify a piece of waste, determine if it is contaminating the wastestream, and have that item removed. A non-exhaustive list of sensorsthat may be used to identify non-plastic contaminants and othercontaminating articles in waste stream include: cameras, video cameras,inductive sensors, spectral imaging sensors, and near-infrared sensors.

A camera and/or alternative form of audiovisual technology may be usedto image a given waste stream or waste article and reference a databasecontaining known waste items. This process may automate the removal of aknown or unknown contaminant within the waste stream. Preferably, dataregarding contamination will be collected using a camera and/or analternative form of audiovisual technology for waste streams undergoingsortation and purification to quantify contamination. Data may beprocessed by a cloud analyzer to determine the degree of contamination,preferably assigning a purity and/or quality score to the materialstream. This score, in one embodiment of the present invention, will beused to direct required recycled resin blending, compounding and/orfortification. Subsequently, waste production data and/or a qualityscore will be communicated to the generators of the material stream tomodify behavior employed for front-end segregation of plastic waste.

Additionally, inductive sensors may be used to identify metallic itemscontaminating a waste stream. Both spectral imaging sensors andnear-infrared sensors can be employed to verify the material compositionof an item within a waste stream and subsequently increase the purity ofthe desired waste stream. These sensors may help automate the removal ofcontaminating articles within a given recyclable waste stream.

Select metal articles may also be removed from a recyclable waste streamusing their ferromagnetic properties. More specifically, ferromagneticmaterials may be removed by exposing each of the two plastic wastestreams to a magnet. Non-ferromagnetic metal contaminants may also beidentified for removal using an inductive sensor, metal detector orvisual inspection by an attendant who loads the material into theprocess.

Colored and opaque plastic items may be removed from the polypropylenestream using an automated sorting system that is capable of identifyingcolored plastic or opaque plastic. Further removal of the colored oropaque plastic may be conducted manually by attendants. The intendedpurpose of this step within the process is to purify the polypropylenewaste stream with valuable, clear polypropylene plastic. The colored andopaque plastic previously removed may be added to the mixed plasticwaste stream for subsequent processing.

A solvent wash may be employed to remove any hydrophobic ink markingsand/or labels present on certain plastic items. A step utilizingmechanical agitation or high-friction scrubbing may also be used toremove adherent contaminants on plastic products. Each of thesepurification steps utilized prior to recycling preferably allows for theenrichment of each polymer stream by isolating the more valuable clearproducts. A density separation technique may be used to separatepolypropylene and polystyrene plastics. In addition to utilizing asterilization method that results in at least a log 6 kill factor, thesystem will preferably employ two additional steps to enhance and verifythe removal of biological agents. First, the polypropylene and mixedplastic stream may be treated with a nuclease wash so as to remove anyresidual nucleotides. This step will preferably occur followingshredding, granulation and/or micronization. Second, each lot of plasticthat has undergone processing may also undergo an endotoxin assay as aform of quality control. This step will preferably occur after shreddingand grinding. Additionally, the raw and pelletized recycled plastic mayundergo spectral analysis to verify the quality of the plastic.Residual, contaminating solvents may be removed using micronizationtechnology that preferably increases plastic surface area exposure forcleaning during an aqueous washing step. Additionally, contaminatingmonomers, oligomers, and solvents, may be removed from the plasticstream utilizing devolatilization technology. Each step of theprocessing method preferably increases the homogeneity and purity of therecyclable plastic stream.

Prior to these processing steps intended to reduce non-plasticcontamination and enhance the homogeneity of each waste stream, eachindividual plastic stream will preferably be shredded at step 110 intosmall pieces to aid in further processing. The plastic waste streams mayalso undergo a grinding cycle, granulation cycle and/or micronization instep 114 to further reduce the size of each plastic article. Aftershredding, purification through contaminant removal, and granulation,the material preferably is subjected to a solvent wash to removeresidual liquid and or contaminating solvents in step 116. A subsequentblending step may include the addition of a polymer blending agent,compatibilizer, or virgin resin in step 118. Further processing of theraw material can include melting, extrusion (step 120) or molding tocreate a plastic article.

With the aforementioned sterilization and melting of recycled medicalwaste, the extruded recycled resin may be used to mold a plastic productin step 122. These recycled plastic articles may includepolypropylene-based laboratory products, polypropylene biomedical wastebags, polypropylene containers or other objects.

Sterilization and/or decontamination of the materials in step 108 ofthis process may be accomplished using a number of methods including,but not limited to, heat, chemicals, and/or radiation. Examples ofprimary decontamination and/or sterilization methods for the plasticmedical waste may include autoclave, ozone, microwave, or other forms ofdecontamination utilizing heat, steam, and/or pressure. The primarydecontamination and/or sterilization process will preferably result inat least a log 6 kill factor. Secondary decontamination or disinfectionsteps will preferably be employed in the process of material streampurification. Secondary disinfecting steps may include, but are notlimited to, mechanical agitation through micronization, chemicaltreatment, devolatilization, and/or extrusion.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a flowchart outlining the continuoussystem of decontamination and shredding that may be utilized prior tosortation and purification. The plastic articles of the medical wasteare preferably segregated from non-plastic articles using wastediversion products at discrete waste disposal sites at step 1502. Withthe manual assistance of the individual disposing of the plastic medicalwaste, the plastic articles are preferably further segregated into apolypropylene container at step 1504 and mixed plastic container at step1506. Preferably, in a subsequent step, the front-end segregated wastemay be decontaminated and shredded in one continuous step 1508.Preferably, an IoT device will record and upload data associated withthe continuous decontamination and shredding step to the waste trackingdatabase employed in the recycling method described 1510. Recorded dataincludes, but is not limited to, date, time, temperature, and pressureassociated with the continuous decontamination and shredding process fora batch of treated waste. Data regarding decontamination and treatmentwill be associated with a unique identifier and uploaded to the wastetracking blockchain database 1512. Subsequent material streamcollection, plastic polymer sortation, purification, blending, extrusionwill preferably result in the production of recycled resin isolation1514 and an associated unique resin batch identifier 1516. A subsequentuser may deconvolute the unique identifier 1518 to verify materialtreatment to assess compatibility during subsequent manufacturing orinform subsequent handling 1520.

Following sterilization/decontamination, the polypropylene waste streamand the mixed plastic waste stream that were front-end segregated willpreferably undergo additional purification steps mentioned above toremove contaminating articles. Additives and filler materials may beincluded in the blend to fortify the mechanical properties of therecyclable material. Additionally, additives may include clarifyingagents to improve the final quality of the isolated recycled resin,anti-oxidants to improve subsequent recyclability, and/or compounds toimprove ultraviolet-light stabilization. In an effort to optimizeplastic processing and extrusion, the blended plastics can be melted andsubsequently may be extruded over a range of temperatures (145-215° C.).A plastic compounding extruder may be used. The system preferablyproduces compositions of matter including raw materials for the futureproduction of commercial products or a series of finished products. Theproduct created from the polypropylene stream of recycled plastic mayinclude polypropylene-based laboratory conicals, polypropylene pipettetips, polypropylene biomedical waste bags, and/or polypropylenecontainers. Finished products from the mixed plastic stream may includestructural lumber, landscaping materials or other objects. Theseproducts can be colored using a paint on the final product exterior orthrough the incorporation of a colorant and/or dye during the processingoutlined above.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a flowchart outlining the waste trackingsoftware utilized in the recycling method to successfully manufacture aproduct whose principal components and characteristics can subsequentlybe identified, the product used, and then disposed of in accordance withthe recycling method disclosed here. The plastic articles of the medicalwaste are preferably segregated from non-plastic articles using wastediversion products at discrete waste disposal sites at step 1202. Withthe manual assistance of the individual disposing of the plastic medicalwaste, the plastic articles are preferably further segregated into apolypropylene container at step 1204 and mixed plastic container at step1206. Preferably, in a subsequent step, the front-end segregated wastewill be decontaminated in step 1208. In a manner similar to the processoutlined in FIG. 10 , a record will preferably be created in the wastetracking database for specifying the total waste produced per user instep 1210. The waste may undergo further sortation, purification,blending and extrusion in step 1212. Preferably, the isolated productwill be subjected to quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA)tests including, but not limited to, proposition 65 testing (Prop 65),Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS), and mechanical analysis instep 1214. A record may be created in the waste tracking database instep 1216 documenting the Prop 65, GCMS, mechanical property and/orpoint of origin data for the batch of recycled resin. This recycledresin may be used to manufacture plastic articles in step 1218.Subsequently, a unique identifier is assigned to the lot of products torepresent the previously characterized recycled resin in step 1220. Adownstream consumer or user may deconvolute the unique identifierassociated with the lot of product to ascertain the QC, QA, and/or pointof origin data in step 1222. In accordance with the recycling methodoutlined in this disclosure, the user may subsequently utilize theproduct (step 1224) and later dispose of this plastic product in step1202.

The medical waste segregated at the time of disposal preferably createsa polypropylene and mixed plastic stream of plastic. While thepolypropylene stream is relatively homogenous and subsequently purifiedwith additional segregation processes, the mixed plastic stream is aheterogeneous aggregate of plastic polymers. In embodiments, the mixedplastic stream of medical waste comprises or consists of PE, HDPE, PS,PET, Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and/or PP. Within both thepolypropylene stream and mixed plastic stream, additional recyclednon-medical or nascent polymers may be added for fortification of theblend. These added polymers may include ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA),PP, PE, PS, polyamide, polycarbonate, PVC, polyester alone or incombination with one another. These additives may improve the mechanicalproperties of the raw materials or final products through adequateblending.

Additionally, additives may include clarifying agents to improve thefinal quality of the isolated recycled resin, anti-oxidants to improvesubsequent recyclability, and/or compounds to improve UV-lightstabilization.

In certain embodiments, materials of the invention for recycling thepolypropylene stream of medical waste include recycled medical waste upto 85%, up to 90%, up to 95%, or more by weight of the final product. Inother embodiments, materials of the invention include recyclednon-medical or new polypropylene that is added to the recycledpolypropylene medical waste. The recycled non-medical polypropylene ornew polypropylene added to the recycled polypropylene medical waste maycomprise 5-90% or more by weight of the final product. In each of theembodiments listed above, materials of the invention may include one ormore blending agents.

In another embodiment, materials of the invention for recycling themixed plastic stream of medical waste or non-hazardous waste may befurther purified to isolate independent polymers including, but notlimited to, PS, HDPE, PET, and/or PP. Independent polymer streamsisolated from the mixed plastic streams may comprise 10-95% or more byweight of the final product. Added to this plastic stream may be one ormore other recycled non-medical plastic polymers or nascent plasticpolymers, filler material, or blending agents. Recycled non-medicalplastic polymers and nascent plastic additives may include polyolefinslike PS, HDPE, PET, and/or PP. Filler material may include polymerfibers and other materials. Recycled non-medical plastic or non-recycledplastic added to the isolates of the mixed plastic stream of recycledmedical waste, or non-hazardous waste, may comprise 10-95% or more byweight of the blend. Preferred blends for the repurposing of the plasticstream of recycled medical waste include a blend of 10-95% or more byweight of the mixed plastic stream of recycled medical waste and 5-90%or more by weight recycled polyolefin, nascent polyolefin, recycledpolymer, nascent polymer, blending agents, and/or filling agents.Colorant or dyes can be added to the homogenized blend to yield anarticle with uniform color. For each blend described above, 100% isequal to the weight of the final recycled plastic material.

Additionally, small amounts (e.g. less than 5% by weight of the finalcomposition) of one or more colorants, blending agents, and or fillerscan be added.

The recycled medical waste blends created by this invention may manifestas powder, pellets, or other shapes, or in the form of commercialproducts by way or extrusion and/or molding. The materials can be madein a number sizes and shapes that can be sold as raw material or usedimmediately to make commercial plastic products using standardmanufacturing plastic procedures.

FIG. 14 depicts a schematic of a preferred embodiment of a computingdevice 1400. The embodiments of the invention described herein may useone or more computing devices 1400. Device 1400 preferably includes apower source 1401. For example, power source 1401 may be a battery, achemical power source, a solar energy converter, a power converter toreceive power from a wall receptacle or the like, a mechanical powersource, or source of power.

Power source 1401 is preferably used to supply power to the remainingcomponents of computing device 1400. Computing device 1400 preferablyfurther includes an integrated circuit (i.e. a system on a chip (SoC)).The SoC preferably integrates multiple components of a computer or otherelectronic system into a single chip. It may contain digital, analog,mixed-signal, and radio-frequency functions all on a single chipsubstrate. The SoC preferably incorporates one or more of a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and a systembus 1 that couples various system components including the system memory1430, dynamic random-access memory (RAM) 1450 and flash memory 1460, tothe SoC. The system bus may be one of several types of bus structuresincluding a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, or alocal bus using one of a variety of bus architectures. A basicinput/output (BIOS) stored in flash memory 1460 or the like, may providethe basic routine that helps to transfer information between elementswithin computing device 1400, such as during start-up. The drives andthe associated computer readable media provide nonvolatile storage ofcomputer readable instructions, data structures, program modules andother data for computing device 1400. The basic components are known tothose of skill in the art and appropriate variations are contemplated.

Although the exemplary environment described herein employs flashmemory, it is appreciated by those skilled in the art that other typesof computer readable media which can store data that are accessible by acomputer, such as magnetic cassettes, hard drives, digital versatiledisks, cartridges, random access memories (RAMs) 1450, read only memory(ROM) 1440, a cable or wireless signal containing a bit stream and thelike, may also be used in the exemplary operating environment.

Computing device 1400 further preferably includes a networking device1480. Networking device 1480 is able to connect to, for example, theInternet, one or more Local Area Networks (“LANs”), one or moreMetropolitan Area Networks (“MANs”), one or more Wide Area Networks(“WANs”), one or more Intranets, etc. Networking device 1480 may becapable of connecting to wireless Bluetooth devices (e.g. a keyboard ora mouse). Preferably, networking device 1480 is a wireless networkingdevice (e.g. Wi-Fi), however hard-wired networks can be coupled tonetworking device 1480 (e.g. ethernet). Furthermore, networking device1480 may also connect to distributed computing environments where tasksare performed by local and remote processing devices that are linked(either by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination thereof)through a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotememory storage devices.

To enable user interaction with computing device 1400, there ispreferably an input receiving device 1490. Input receiving device 1490can receive input from a number of input mechanisms, such as amicrophone for speech, a touch-sensitive screen for gesture or graphicalinput, a keyboard, a mouse, motion input, RJ-45, USB, and so forth. Insome instances, multimodal systems enable a user to provide multipletypes of input to communicate with the computing device 1400. There isno restriction on the invention operating on any particular hardwarearrangement and therefore the basic features here may easily besubstituted for improved hardware or firmware arrangements as they aredeveloped.

Computing device 1400 further preferably includes at least one outputport 1470. Output port 1470 connects computing device 1400 to a TV,speaker, projector, or other audio-visual device. Preferably, outputport 1470 is a HDMI port, optical audio port, serial port, USB port,networking port, s-video port, coaxial cable port, composite video,composite audio, and/or VGA port. In preferred embodiments, computingdevice 1400 may also include additional auxiliary components (e.g. powermanagement devices or digital audio convertors).

For clarity of explanation, the illustrative system embodiments arepresented as comprising individual functional blocks. The functionsthese blocks represent may be provided through the use of either sharedor dedicated hardware, including, but not limited to, hardware capableof executing software. For example, the functions of one or moreprocessors presented in FIG. 14 may be provided by a single sharedprocessor or multiple processors. (Use of the term “processor” shouldnot be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executingsoftware.) Illustrative embodiments may comprise microprocessor and/ordigital signal processor (DSP) hardware, read-only memory (ROM) forstoring software performing the operations discussed below, and randomaccess memory (RAM) for storing results. Very large-scale integration(VLSI) hardware embodiments, as well as custom VLSI circuitry incombination with a general purpose DSP circuit, may also be provided.

Embodiments within the scope of the present invention includecomputer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executableinstructions or data structures stored thereon. Such computer-readablemedia can be any available media that can be accessed by a generalpurpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and notlimitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM,CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or othermagnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carryor store desired program code means in the form of computer-executableinstructions or data structures. When information is transferred orprovided over a network or another communications connection (eitherhardwired, wireless, or combination thereof) to a computer, the computerproperly views the connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, anysuch connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium.Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope ofthe computer-readable media.

Computer-executable instructions include, for example, instructions anddata which cause a computer, specialty computer, or special purposeprocessing device to perform a certain function or group of functions.Computer-executable instructions also include program modules that areexecuted by computers in stand-alone or network environments. Generally,program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, anddata structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implementparticular abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions,associated data structures, and program modules represent examples ofthe program code means for executing steps of the methods disclosedherein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions orassociated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts forimplementing the functions described in such steps.

Other embodiments and uses of the invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practiceof the invention disclosed herein. All references cited herein,including all publications, U.S. and foreign patents and patentapplications, are specifically and entirely incorporated by reference.It is intended that the specification and examples be consideredexemplary only with the true scope and spirit of the invention indicatedby the following claims. Furthermore, the term “comprising of” includesthe terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”

1. A plastic waste recycling system, comprising: a plastic waste tracking system comprising a database of plastic waste status data; a plurality of plastic waste receptacles, each plastic waste receptacle associated with an individual identifier; at least one identifier scanning device, each identifier scanning device adapted to scan each individual identifier and upload information regarding the associated plastic waste receptacle to the plastic waste tracking system; and a plastic waste processing system, the plastic waste processing system adapted to receive plastic waste from each plastic waste receptacle and update the plastic waste tracking system; wherein the plastic waste processing system is adapted to process the plastic waste and output a recycled plastic product.
 2. The plastic waste recycling system of claim 1, wherein the plastic waste is regulated medical plastic waste and the plastic waste processing system at least one of sterilizes or decontaminates the plastic waste.
 3. The plastic waste recycling system of claim 1, wherein the plastic waste tracking system is a blockchain secure platform and the blockchain secure platform is updated to track the plastic waste through the plastic waste recycling system.
 4. The plastic waste recycling system of claim 1, the data updated in the plastic waste tracking system includes at least one of an origination location of the plastic waste, an origination weight of the plastic waste, a date of plastic waste collection, a time of plastic waste collection, a process undergone by the plastic waste, a location of plastic waste processing, a date of plastic waste processing, a time of plastic waste processing, or a composition of processed plastic waste.
 5. The plastic waste recycling system of claim 1, wherein each plastic waste receptacle is adapted to separate polypropylene waste from mixed plastic waste.
 6. The plastic waste recycling system of claim 4, wherein the polypropylene waste is processed differently from the mixed plastic waste.
 7. The plastic waste recycling system of claim 1, wherein the plastic waste processing system at least one of removes of colored, contaminated, or non-clear plastic, removes contaminants, shreds the plastic waste, blends the plastic waste with processing agents, granulates the plastic waste, or forms the plastic waste into a recycled product.
 8. The plastic waste recycling system of claim 1, further comprising a user feedback system, the user feedback system adapted to provide information to users of each plastic waste receptacle, wherein the information is based on the data received by the plastic waste tracking system.
 9. The plastic waste recycling system of claim 1, wherein each plastic waste receptacle has a waste capacity sensor, wherein the waste capacity sensor is adapted to at least one of provide an alert to a user and update the plastic waste tracking system.
 10. The plastic waste recycling system of claim 1, wherein the outputted recycled plastic product is a blend of recycled plastic and at least one other plastic.
 11. The plastic waste recycling system of claim 1, wherein the outputted recycled plastic product is comprised of one or more additives selected from compatibilizing agents, antioxidants, chemical tracing compounds, blending agents, colorants, and compounds enhancing product recyclability.
 12. The plastic waste recycling system of claim 1, wherein the data received by the plastic waste tracking system is used by the plastic waste processing system to adjust the processing of the plastic waste.
 13. A method of recycling plastic waste, comprising: creating a database of plastic waste status; receiving plastic waste at plurality of plastic waste receptacles; associating each plastic waste receptacle with an individual identifier; scanning each individual identifier and uploading information regarding the associated plastic waste receptacle to the database; receiving plastic waste from each plastic waste receptacle at a plastic waste processing location; processing the plastic waste; updating the plastic waste tracking system with data from the plastic waste processing location; and outputting a recycled plastic product.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the plastic waste is medical plastic waste, further comprising the steps of at least one of sterilizing or decontaminating the plastic waste.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the database is a blockchain secure platform and the blockchain secure platform is updated to track the plastic waste through the plastic waste recycling system.
 16. The method of claim 13, the data updated in the database includes at least one of an origination location of the plastic waste, an origination weight of the plastic waste, a date of plastic waste collection, a time of plastic waste collection, a process undergone by the plastic waste, a location of plastic waste processing, a date of plastic waste processing, a time of plastic waste processing, or a composition of processed plastic waste.
 17. The method of claim 13, further comprising separating polypropylene waste from mixed plastic waste at each plastic waste receptacle.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the polypropylene waste is processed differently from the mixed plastic waste.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of processing the a plastic waste comprises at least one of removing of colored, contaminated, or non-clear plastic, removing contaminants, shredding the plastic waste, blending the plastic waste with processing agents, granulating the plastic waste, or forming the plastic waste into a recycled product.
 20. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing user feedback to users of each plastic waste receptacle, wherein the feedback is based on the data received by the plastic waste tracking system.
 21. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing user feedforward information to manufacturers and/or users of each plastic products, wherein the feedforward information is based on the data received by the plastic waste tracking system including at least one of mechanical performance of the recycled resin, safety specifications for the recycled resin, and a number of times material has been recycled.
 22. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing user feedback information to users regarding carbon footprint reduction based on recycling efforts at a resolution of at least one of individual personnel, research laboratories, entire research institutions or manufacturing facilities.
 23. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing user feedforward information to users regarding carbon footprint reduction based on sustainable procurement by each user at a resolution of at least one of individual personnel, research laboratories, entire research institutions or manufacturing facilities.
 24. The method of claim 13, wherein each plastic waste receptacle has a waste capacity sensor, further comprising at least one of providing a waste capacity alert to a user and updating the database.
 25. The method claim 13, wherein the outputted recycled plastic product is a blend of recycled plastic and at least one other plastic.
 26. The method claim 13, wherein the outputted recycled plastic product is comprised of one or more additives selected from compatibilizing agents, antioxidants, chemical tracing compounds, blending agents, colorants, and compounds enhancing product recyclability.
 27. The method claim 13, wherein the data received by the database is used to adjust the processing of the plastic waste. 